HOW TO GET INVOLVED. in the YOUNG LAWYERS DIVISION

Transcription

1 HOW TO GET INVOLVED in the YOUNG LAWYERS DIVISION 1

2 PRESIDENT S MESSAGE I am honored to serve as the 69th president of the Young Lawyers Division (YLD) for the Bar year. The YLD is known as the service arm of the State Bar of Georgia because, over the years, the division has been responsible for many outstanding projects which serve both the public and the profession. For instance, the YLD was instrumental in the creation of the Georgia Legal Services Program as well as the High School Mock Trial Program. The YLD is also well known for its leadership development programs and education initiatives like the Leadership Academy and the Public Interest Internship Program. YLD programs are successful because of our enthusiastic and devoted YLD members, who pool their talents through the work of our committees. In fact, there are more than 30 YLD committees dedicated to a variety of issues, interests and projects. These committees are comprised of members around the state and are the heart of how the YLD accomplishes its goals. Whether or not you are already involved in the YLD, this brochure is helpful because each committee has an updated description to accurately reflect the group s current program of work. The YLD has many meaningful (and fun) ways for young lawyers to give back to their community and the legal profession, all while making connections with other young lawyers and within the community. Regardless of where your interests lie, the YLD has a place for you. I encourage you to attend one or more of our five YLD meetings (listed on page 7) this year to network, obtain CLE credit and participate in service projects. The YLD also has 13 affiliate chapters across the state, so no matter where you live, there are opportunities for involvement. Please contact me if you have any questions about the YLD. I know we can have our most successful year yet with your participation and support! Sincerely, John R. B. Jack Long YLD President 2

3 DID YOU KNOW? THERE ARE 48,080 TOTAL BAR MEMBERS 20% OF THE BAR IS UNDER THE AGE OF 36 18,385 BAR MEMBERS ARE WOMEN; 4,791 OF THOSE ARE YLD MEMBERS (51 PERCENT OF THE YLD IS FEMALE) WHO ARE YOUNG LAWYERS? Membership in the Young Lawyers Division is automatic for Georgia attorneys who are under the age of 36 or who have been admitted to their first bar less than five years. There are almost 10,000 young lawyers statewide. HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED? JOIN A COMMITTEE The YLD is comprised of more than 30 committees one for every interest! Sign up for a committee online or on the form found on page 15. ATTEND A MEETING The YLD has five general membership meetings a year (listed on page 7). Sign up to receive notice of meetings and other events online or on the form found on page 15. BE A LEADER The YLD has a variety of leadership opportunities that are described in this brochure. To get involved, contact Mary McAfee, YLD director, at or marym@gabar.org. 3

4 WHAT IS THE YLD? On May 31, 1947, what is now the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Georgia, commonly known as the YLD, was formed. All members of the Bar who have not yet reached their 36th birthday or who have been admitted to their first bar less than five years are automatically members. Today, the YLD is one of the most dynamic arms of the Bar, offering outreach to both the profession and to the public through various legal programs and projects. Over the years, the YLD s various committees have accomplished amazing things. For example, the Young Lawyers Division is recognized as the moving force behind the Georgia Legal Services Program. In 1968, the YLD initiated a study to address the needs of the poor, concluding that there was a distressing disproportion between the actual need for legal services by those who could not afford them and the present supply of legal services available to them. As a result of reports like these, the YLD created the Georgia Legal Services Program in The YLD is also the source of the Georgia High School Mock Trial Program. Founded in 1987, it has grown into a nationally recognized educational program. Another project credited to the YLD is the rewrite of Georgia s Juvenile Justice Code. In 2004, the YLD secured funding to create a model juvenile code, and the YLD s Juvenile Law Committee spearheaded an entire overhaul of the previous code. The governor s Criminal Justice Reform Council focused on reforms to Georgia s juvenile law and legislation was passed unanimously by the Georgia General Assembly during the 2013 legislative session to rewrite and recognize Georgia s juvenile law. The YLD has been recognized numerous times throughout its 68 years with various awards from the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division. AFFILIATE YLDs AROUND THE STATE Albany Augusta Cobb County Columbus DeKalb County Glynn County Gwinnett County Houston County Macon Rome Savannah Valdosta Western Circuit 4

5 WHAT CAN THE YLD DO FOR YOU? OPPORTUNITIES FOR SERVICE With a mission of service, the YLD offers many avenues for young lawyers to give back to their communities and to the profession. As you read the committee descriptions that follow, please note the opportunities that each offer for service. Additionally, the YLD conducts a service project at each of its general membership meetings. GREAT NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES The activities and projects of the YLD put you in touch with lawyers in your practice area, others with similar interests and Georgia s legislative and judicial leaders from every corner of the state. LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES There are many opportunities within the YLD to develop and grow leadership skills and abilities. These include chairing a committee, serving on the YLD Executive Committee or Representative Council and applying to the Leadership Academy. Committee Chairs: The success of YLD committees depends heavily on the initiative, leadership and foresight of its members. If you have vision and leadership potential, we invite you to request appointment by the president as a chair or co-chair of a committee. Executive Committee: For those with long-range leadership goals, you may wish to seek office in the YLD. There are five elected officer positions: president, president-elect, treasurer, secretary and immediate past president. Further, the president appoints the newsletter editors and a board of directors. Representative Council: The governing body of the YLD includes the Executive Committee and the Representative Council, which is comprised of elected representatives from each of the three federal judicial districts, as well as at-large and out-of-state representatives. The council helps direct and implement the various programs of the YLD. Leadership Academy: The YLD Leadership Academy is a program for young lawyers who are interested in developing their leadership skills as well as learning more about their profession, their communities and their state, all while earning a year s worth of CLE credit. The academy meets once a month for six months beginning in January. Participants are selected through an application process that begins in October. 5

6 6 COMMITTEES ADVOCATES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES This committee provides technical support and networking opportunities to the community of attorneys whose practice or passion includes students with disabilities and their families. The committee works to promote this practice area by providing continuing education opportunities and support on issues such as estate planning, civil rights, health care issues, powers of attorney, juvenile justice and guardianships. APPELLATE ADMISSIONS This committee arranges the annual ceremony for admission of new Bar admittees to the Supreme Court of Georgia, the Court of Appeals of Georgia and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. ASPIRING YOUTH PROGRAM This committee works to teach conflict resolution skills through the Art of Debate to incarcerated youth. Specifically, this committee assists at-risk youth by working to increase rehabilitation rates and graduation rates from high school and college by demonstrating the importance of education, hard work and commitment. Young lawyers serve as positive role models while developing mentoring relationships with these youth. BUSINESS LAW This committee addresses issues specific to young lawyers whose practice involves either commercial litigation or commercial transactions. The committee monitors and addresses legal developments in the areas of business, commerce and finance on both federal and state levels. COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS This committee provides opportunities for young lawyers to participate in local, state or national service projects focused on various social issues, such as working with organizations that address the needs of underprivileged children, hunger, domestic violence and the environment. CRIMINAL LAW This committee strives for the improvement of the criminal justice system, and where appropriate, seeks to implement changes. The committee annually sponsors CLE seminars and the Commitment to Justice Award and is comprised of both prosecutors and criminal defense attorneys.

7 YLD MEETINGS & LOCATIONS SUMMER: AUGUST 20-23, 2015 Greensboro The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation FALL: NOVEMBER 5-8, 2015 White Sulphur Springs, WV The Greenbrier MIDYEAR: JANUARY 7-9, 2016 Buford Legacy Lodge at Lake Lanier Islands Held in conjunction with the State Bar of Georgia SPRING: MARCH 10-13, 2016 Las Vegas, NV The Cosmopolitan ANNUAL: JUNE 16-19, 2016 Amelia Island, FL Omni Amelia Island Held in conjunction with the State Bar of Georgia DISASTER LEGAL ASSISTANCE This committee provides free legal assistance to persons affected by presidentially declared major disasters. Disaster Legal Assistance (DLA) is a federal disaster assistance program operated by the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division and executed throughout the country by each state s YLD pursuant to a memorandum of understanding with FEMA. DLA connects those in need to free legal services on legal matters that arise directly from major disasters. ESTATE & ELDER LAW This committee is involved in the delivery of legal services to the elderly, monitoring legislation and other legal developments affecting the elderly community, and providing general information to older Georgians. This committee also oversees the Wills Clinic, which is a pro bono service project where attorney volunteers assist first responders in the preparation and execution of basic estate planning documents. The documents offered by the Wills Clinic include a Last Will and Testament, a Financial Power of Attorney and an Advance Health Care Directive. 7

8 ETHICS & PROFESSIONALISM This committee develops educational programs to assist lawyers in achieving the ethical and professional standards set forth for the legal profession. This committee works with the Chief Justice s Commission on Professionalism to raise awareness in new developments concerning ethics and professionalism in the legal field. The committee recognizes one young lawyer who has demonstrated outstanding professionalism with its annual Ethics & Professionalism Award. FAMILY LAW This committee provides educational and networking opportunities to young lawyers whose practice includes family law. The committee sponsors a networking event as part of the annual Family Law Institute, as well as an annual signature fundraising event to raise money and awareness for causes involving family-related issues in Georgia. HIGH SCHOOL MOCK TRIAL This committee provides educational litigation experience to hundreds of high school students by sponsoring an annual statewide mock trial competition, sending a team to the national competition and holding a fall law camp. Young lawyers, judges and teachers throughout Georgia get involved in all levels of the competition as coaches, judges and committee members. INCLUSION IN THE PROFESSION This committee facilitates, analyzes and presents initiatives and programs which promote and increase participation, retention and representation of Georgia s diverse young lawyers, to more accurately reflect the makeup of our state. This committee includes young lawyers who have been historically underrepresented and is open to all YLD members interested in supporting these goals and interests. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW This committee promotes communication and relationships among young lawyers practicing in the various areas of intellectual property such as trademark, copyright and patent law. The committee focuses its efforts on networking events and CLE programs, often in conjunction with other Bar sections and groups within the legal community. INTRASTATE MOOT COURT COMPETITION This committee sponsors the annual Intrastate Moot Court Competition among students from Georgia law schools. It organizes and conducts all aspects of the competition. 8

9 YLD OFFICERS JACK LONG President John R.B. Long, P.C., Augusta JENNIFER MOCK President-Elect The Mock Law Firm, LLC, Statesboro NICOLE LEET Treasurer Gray Rust St. Amand Moffett & Brieske LLP, Atlanta RIZZA O CONNOR Secretary Magistrate Court of Toombs County, Lyons rizzaoconnor@gmail.com SHARRI EDENFIELD Immediate Past President Edenfield, Cox, Bruce & Classens, P.C., Statesboro sharri@ecbcpc.com YARI LAWSON Newsletter Co-Editor Lawson Raines, LLP, Lawrenceville yari@lawsonfirm.com KEVIN PATRICK Newsletter Co-Editor Goodman McGuffey Lindsey & Johnson, LLP, Atlanta kpatrick@gmlj.com JUDICIAL LAW CLERK This committee serves the professional needs of, and addresses issues specific to, young lawyers serving as staff attorneys or judicial law clerks in either state or federal courts throughout Georgia. In this regard, the committee monitors and addresses legal developments and issues facing the courts. Moreover, the committee provides a forum for young, practicing lawyers to gain insight from other young lawyers serving in the courts. The committee also sponsors CLE programs, covering topics of interest to staff attorneys and judicial law clerks, and offers networking events throughout the year. 9

10 JUVENILE LAW This committee engages young lawyers interested in child welfare and juvenile justice and empowers these individuals to improve the practices and policies affecting children. The committee promotes advancement of the profession through monthly meetings, annual CLE events and special recognitions, such as the Excellence in Child Welfare Award. It also encourages Georgia lawyers to become Certified Child Welfare Law Specialists. The committee organizes and co-sponsors the Celebration of Excellence, a statewide ceremony for graduating foster youth. The committee assisted in drafting the comprehensive revisions to Georgia s Juvenile Code and continues to provide technical support after the adoption of this legislation. LABOR & EMPLOYMENT LAW This committee conducts educational programming and social events to enhance the skill of, and foster collegiality among, young lawyers engaged in the practice of labor and employment law. LAW-RELATED EDUCATION This committee oversees the icivics program and curriculum to Georgia middle and high schools. icivics is a nonprofit organization, founded and championed by Justice Sandra Day O Connor, that is designed to (1) teach students about American government and civil society, (2) invigorate students civic learning through interactive and engaging learning resources, and (3) inspire students to be active participants in our democracy. The YLD LRE Committee works to ensure that the icivics Program is a great success by placing lawyers who are willing to work DID YOU KNOW? SAVANNAH HAS THE SECOND HIGHEST CONCENTRATION OF YOUNG LAWYERS 188 SAVANNAH YOUNG LAWYERS FOLLOWED BY MACON (162) 10

11 hands-on with local teachers in classrooms throughout participating Georgia school systems. Volunteers serve as presenters to the students (1-2 sessions a month as needed) on various legal and governmental topics as determined by the respective teacher in the classroom in which the volunteer is placed. Topics include discussing the importance of the Constitution; the differences between the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government; presenting pivotal cases on any of the topics presented in the curriculum; or talking to the students about the path to becoming a lawyer, judge, legislator, etc. LAW SCHOOL FELLOWS PROGRAM The YLD Law School Fellows Program is designed to promote knowledge of, and participation in, the YLD at the law school level. Each year, the five Georgia law schools select a 2L and a 3L representative to become fellows in the YLD. The law school fellows attend YLD Meetings, participate in YLD programs and serve on YLD committees. The law school fellows, together with the chair of the Law School Fellows Program, are charged with promoting awareness of the YLD for all law students who are interested in becoming involved after graduation. LEADERSHIP ACADEMY ALUMNI This committee provides continuing leadership development, community service, pro bono opportunities and networking opportunities for Leadership Academy (LA) alumni. The committee annually hosts the LA Holiday Luncheon and other events and programs to encourage members to sustain the relationships formed with their LA class, as well as forge new relationships with other LA alumni while serving the community. Members must be LA graduates. LEGAL FOOD FRENZY This committee coordinates with the Office of the Attorney General to host the statewide Legal Food Frenzy, a food drive and fundraiser competition among Georgia s law firms, law schools and other legal organizations. The committee partners with community legal leaders across the state to spread awareness about Georgia s hunger problems, and to make a significant impact by gathering both canned food donations and monetary donations to help those affected by hunger in the state. This competition is held in the spring, and since its inception, has raised more than 3.5 million pounds of food. 11

12 LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS This committee promotes education and involvement in the state legislative process. Working with the State Bar s director of Governmental Affairs, the committee promotes Bar and/or YLD-initiated legislation and assists other YLD committees in legislative-related matters, including co-hosting the annual legislative luncheon with the Leadership Academy. LITIGATION In keeping with the motto of the YLD, the Litigation Committee is committed both professionally and civically to advancing the practices of young litigators throughout our entire state. The committee prides itself on fostering long-term relationships with fellow litigators on both the plaintiffs and defense side of the Bar through social activities. Also, the committee recognizes the dedication and service of judicial support staff by hosting the annual Clerks Luncheon during the holiday season, as well as a reception honoring the members of the judiciary and distinguished young litigators to conclude the Bar year. A strong emphasis on learning from the shared experiences of the stalwarts of our legal community is forged through the committee s annual War Stories Lecture Series, which is held in three parts in the spring. LONG RANGE PLANNING This committee identifies issues and trends affecting young lawyers and the practice of law and the operation of the YLD. It makes recommendations to the YLD president and YLD Executive Committee. MILITARY SUPPORT This committee promotes assistance to military service members and veterans through various outreach opportunities. In addition, the committee works to provide education to young lawyers on the particular legal issues that service members and veterans may face. NATIONAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION This committee conducts the Region V competition of the National Moot Court Competition. 12

13 NON-TRADITIONAL LEGAL CAREERS There are a number of great jobs outside of the traditional practice of law to which young attorneys are well suited. Whether it is document review, government-related work, consulting, nonprofit, education, information technology or anything else non-legal. This committee engages those young attorneys whose career or current job is beyond the traditional practice of law. PUBLIC INTEREST INTERNSHIP PROGRAM This committee oversees the Public Interest Internship Program, which funds grants for public interest internships for law school students and young lawyers. REAL ESTATE LAW This committee promotes communication among young lawyers practicing in the various areas of real estate law as well as networking with other practice groups to enhance the availability of business opportunities. The committee provides CLE programs as well as social activities that promote networking and Bar participation. DID YOU KNOW? 59% OF YOUNG LAWYERS WORK IN THE FIVE COUNTY METRO-ATLANTA AREA 27% 20% OF ALL BAR MEMBERS RESIDE OUT- OF-STATE OF YOUNG LAWYERS RESIDE OUT- OF-STATE 13

14 SIGNATURE FUNDRAISER This committee organizes and orchestrates an annual fundraising event to raise money to support a designated charitable organization. Since its inception 10 years ago, the YLD Signature Fundraiser has donated more than $400,000 to several worthy causes. SOLO PRACTICE/SMALL FIRM This committee seeks to provide opportunities for, and support to, solo practitioners and young lawyers who work in small firms. Recognizing that the economy and many other factors contribute to young lawyers hanging their own shingles, this committee focuses on providing discounted CLEs, organizing networking events and creating projects aimed at sharpening the skills and increasing the success of active member participants. WILLIAM W. DANIEL NATIONAL INVITATIONAL MOCK TRIAL This committee hosts an annual criminal mock jury trial competition among law students. The talented competitors are law students hailing from law schools across the country. All Georgia law schools are also invited to participate. Every summer, the William W. Daniel National Invitational Mock Trial Committee sends hundreds of applications to ABA accredited law schools. Only 18 schools are invited to compete in this well-known competition named in honor of the late Judge William W. Daniel of the Superior Court of Fulton County. WOMEN IN THE PROFESSION This committee s mission is to ensure the success of women attorneys by providing a forum for the exchange of dialogue and ideas on concerns of women; sponsoring programs directed to business and professional development; organizing networking activities; and supporting organizations and causes which advance the status and progress of women in society. 14

15 YLD COMMITTEE SIGN-UP FORM This form may be completed online. Go to and click on Join a YLD Committee. Name Firm Address City State Zip Phone Fax Address Bar Number I am interested in serving on the YLD Representative Council. I would like more information about getting involved in the American Bar Association YLD. Please keep me up-to-date about future YLD meetings and events by adding me to the distribution list. JOIN COMMITTEES BY SELECTING BELOW Advocates for Students with Disabilities Appellate Admissions Aspiring Youth Program Business Law Community Service Projects Criminal Law Disaster Legal Assistance Estate & Elder Law Ethics & Professionalism Family Law High School Mock Trial Inclusion in the Profession Intellectual Property Law Intrastate Moot Court Competition Judicial Law Clerk Juvenile Law Labor & Employment Law Law-Related Education Law School Fellows Program Leadership Academy Alumni Legal Food Frenzy Legislative Affairs Litigation Long Range Planning Military Support National Moot Court Competition Non-Traditional Legal Careers Public Interest Internship Program Real Estate Law Signature Fundraiser Solo Practice/Small Firm William W. Daniel National Invitational Mock Trial Women in the Profession FAX, MAIL OR FORM TO: Mary McAfee l YLD Director l State Bar of Georgia 104 Marietta Street NW, Suite 100 l Atlanta, GA Fax l marym@gabar.org

16 104 Marietta Street, Suite 100 Atlanta, GA Standard Mail Pre-Sorted U.S. Postage PAID Atlanta, GA Permit No